Method of Calming a Child

ABSTRACT

Methods of soothing a child by using a furniture piece including an inflated body with a seat on a first side and a base on an opposing second side. The furniture piece is positioned with the base contacting against the floor and the body having a first shape and the seat facing upward away from the floor and positioned a first distance away from the floor. The child is positioned on the furniture piece and moved in a first vertical direction by applying a force to the body directed towards the floor. The force deforms the body from the first shape to a second shape and moves the seat towards the floor. The child is then moved in an opposing second vertical direction by removing the force from the body and returning the body to the first shape. The process is repeated to move the child in alternating upward/downward motions.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/042503 filed Aug. 27, 2014, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

It is often soothing for a small child to be rocked in a pattern of rhythmic movements. This may be accomplished by a parent or caregiver holding the child while rocking back-and-forth in a rocking chair, or by gently swinging the child in their arms while standing or walking. When using a chair or other like furniture piece, it is important that it provide for adequate movement of the child. Further, the furniture piece must be safe.

SUMMARY

The present application is directed to methods of calming a child by bouncing a child on an inflated furniture piece. The upward and downward vertical movement of the bouncing motion is soothing to the child.

One embodiment is directed to a method of calming a child that include providing a furniture piece with an inflated body with a seat on a first side and a base with a non-spherical shape on an opposing second side. The method includes positioning the furniture piece on a floor with the base contacting against the floor while the body is in a first shape with the seat facing upward away from the floor and being positioned a first distance away from the floor. The method includes positioning the child on the furniture piece and moving the child in a first vertical direction by applying a force to the body that is directed towards the floor and deforming the body from the first shape to a second shape and moving the seat towards the floor to a second distance that is in closer proximity to the floor. The method also includes moving the child in an opposing second vertical direction and returning the seat to the first distance away from the floor by removing the force from the body and returning the body to the first shape. The method includes repeatedly moving the child in the first and second vertical directions by alternating between applying the force to the body and removing the force from the body.

The method may include applying the force to the body and deforming the base simultaneously with deforming the body.

The method may include contacting four legs of the base against the floor and preventing the furniture piece from moving laterally along the floor.

The method may include maintaining the shape of the base when moving in the first and second vertical directions.

The method may include adjusting a position of the seat relative to the body.

The method may include that positioning the child on the furniture piece includes contacting the child directly against the body.

The method may include deforming the body from the first shape to the second shape by deforming the body from a spherical shape to a non-spherical shape.

Another embodiment is directed to a method of calming a child that includes providing a furniture piece with an inflated body with spherical shape, a seat on a first side, and a non-spherical base that extends outward from the body on an opposing second side. The method includes positioning the furniture piece on a floor while the body is in the spherical shape and is spaced above the floor and the base is contacting against the floor and the seat is facing upward away from the floor and is spaced a first distance away from the floor. The method includes positioning the child on the furniture piece and maintaining the base in contact with the floor and compressing the body and moving the child in a first vertical direction towards the floor while maintaining the base in contact with the floor to prevent the furniture piece from moving laterally along the floor. The method includes decompressing the body and moving the child in an opposing second vertical direction away from the floor while maintaining the base in contact with the floor to prevent the furniture piece from moving laterally along the floor. The method includes repeatedly compressing and decompressing the body while maintaining the base in contact with the floor and moving the child in an alternating pattern of the first and second directions.

The method may include applying a force to the body that is directed towards the floor and compressing the body. The method may include removing the force from the body and decompressing the body.

The method may include compressing the body and deforming the legs.

Another embodiment is directed to a method of calming a child using a furniture piece that includes an inflated body with a seat on a first side and a base on an opposing second side with the base also being inflated and including legs that each extend outward from the body and terminate at a distal end. The method includes positioning the furniture piece on a floor while the body is in a first shape and with the distal ends of each of the legs contacting against the floor and the seat facing upward away from the floor and being spaced a first distance away from the floor. The method includes sitting on the furniture piece while holding the child and applying a force to the body. The method includes deforming the body with the force and moving the child in a first vertical direction towards the floor while maintaining the distal ends of each of the legs in contact with the floor to prevent the furniture piece from moving laterally along the floor. The method includes removing the force from the body and returning the body towards the first shape and moving the child in an opposing second vertical direction away from the floor while maintaining the distal ends of each of the legs in contact with the floor to prevent the furniture piece from moving laterally along the floor. The method includes repeatedly applying and removing the force and moving the child in an alternating pattern of the first and second directions.

The method may also include applying the force to the body and deforming the legs while deforming the body.

The method may include contacting four legs of the base that are arranged in a rectangular pattern against the floor and preventing the furniture piece from moving laterally along the floor.

The method may include adjusting a position of the seat relative to the body.

Another embodiment is directed to a method of calming a child. The method includes: inflating a body of a furniture piece such that the body has a first shape and a seat on the body is positioned a first distance from a supporting floor; sitting on the seat on the body while holding the child; applying a force to the body that is directed towards the supporting floor and deforming the body from the first shape to a second shape such that the seat is in closer proximity to the supporting floor than the first distance thereby moving the child in a first vertical direction; removing the force from the body causing the body to return towards the first shape and moving the seat away from the supporting floor thereby moving the child in an opposing second vertical direction; and repeating the applying and removing steps a plurality of times and repeatedly moving the child in the first and second vertical directions.

The method may also include contacting a base that extends outward from the body against the supporting floor while applying the force and while removing the force and preventing the body from laterally moving relative to the supporting floor.

Another embodiment is directed to a method of calming a child. The method includes: inflating a body of a furniture piece such that the body has a first shape; sitting on the seat on the body while holding the child; deforming the body such that the seat and the held child move in a vertical direction while preventing lateral movement of the body; returning the body towards the first shape such that the seat and the held child move in an opposing second vertical direction while preventing lateral movement of the body; and repeating the applying and removing steps a plurality of times.

The method may also include contacting a base that extends outward from the body and contacts against the supporting floor while applying the force and while removing the force and preventing the body from moving laterally relative to the supporting floor.

Another embodiment is directed to a method of calming a child. The method includes: inflating a body of a furniture piece such that the body has a first shape; positioning the furniture piece on a support floor; sitting on the seat on the body while holding the child and positioning each foot on the supporting floor; while holding the child, applying a downward force to the body to deform the body and moving vertically downward towards the supporting floor; while holding the child, removing the downward force on the body causing the body to rebound and moving vertical upward away from the supporting floor; while holding the child, repeating the application and removal of the downward force and repeatedly moving vertically upward and downward.

The method may also include preventing the furniture piece from moving along the support floor while moving vertically upward and downward.

Another embodiment is directed to a method of calming a child. The method includes: inflating a body of a furniture piece such that the body has a first shape; bouncing on the furniture piece while holding the child and repeatedly moving the child vertically upward and downward.

The method may also include contacting a non-rounded base against the support floor and preventing the furniture piece from moving relative to the support floor.

The method may also include deforming the shape of the furniture piece.

Another embodiment is directed to a method of calming a child that includes: inflating a body of a furniture piece such that the body has a first shape and a seat on the body is positioned a first distance from a supporting floor; placing the child on the seat; applying a force to the body that is directed towards the supporting floor and deforming the body from the first shape to a second shape such that the seat is in closer proximity to the supporting floor than the first distance thereby moving the child in a first vertical direction; removing the force from the body causing the body to return towards the first shape and moving the seat away from the supporting floor thereby moving the child in an opposing second vertical direction; and repeating the applying and removing steps a plurality of times and repeatedly moving the child in the first and second vertical directions.

Another embodiment is directed to a method of calming a child that includes: inflating a body of a furniture piece such that the body has a first shape; positioning the child on the seat; deforming the body such that the seat and the child move in a vertical direction while preventing lateral movement of the body; returning the body towards the first shape such that the seat and the child move in an opposing second vertical direction while preventing lateral movement of the body; and repeating the applying and removing steps a plurality of times.

Another embodiment is directed to a method of calming a child that includes: inflating a body of a furniture piece such that the body has a first shape; positioning the furniture piece on a support floor; positioning the child on the body and positioning each foot on the supporting floor; applying a downward force to the body to deform the body and moving vertically downward towards the supporting floor; removing the downward force on the body causing the body to rebound and moving vertical upward away from the supporting floor; repeating the application and removal of the downward force and repeatedly moving vertically upward and downward.

The various aspects of the various embodiments may be used alone or in any combination, as is desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side schematic view of a furniture piece supported on a floor.

FIG. 1B is a bottom schematic view of the furniture piece of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a side schematic view of a furniture piece supported on a floor.

FIG. 3 is a side schematic view of a furniture piece supported on a floor.

FIG. 4 is a bottom schematic view of a furniture piece.

FIG. 5 is a bottom schematic view of a furniture piece.

FIG. 6 is a side schematic view of a furniture piece supported on a floor.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart diagram of a method of calming a child by using the furniture piece.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 80 are side schematic views of a furniture piece being deformed during a bouncing process.

FIG. 9 is a side schematic view of a furniture piece supported on a floor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is directed to methods of calming a child by bouncing them on an inflatable furniture piece. The furniture piece is designed to support a caregiver that is holding the child and to provide movement of the child in vertically upward and downward directions. The movement is further configured to prevent and/or eliminate movement of the furniture piece relative to the floor.

In some embodiments, the methods include the caregiver holding the child while both move vertically upward and downward. Other embodiments include just the child moving vertically.

FIG. 1A illustrates a furniture piece 10 for use in bouncing a child. The furniture piece 10 includes a body 11, a base 12 that contacts against the floor 100, and a seat 13 The piece 10 may include a variety of different shapes and sizes to accommodate the caregiver and the child.

The furniture piece 10 is hollow and configured to be inflated with a fluid. In one embodiment, the piece 10 is inflated by air, although other uses may inflate the piece 10 with a variety of other gases or liquids. In some embodiments, the furniture piece 10 is inflated by the caregiver. The caregiver is able to inflate the piece 10 to the desired amount to provide for the desired vertical movement. Other embodiments may include the furniture piece 10 being pre-inflated prior to purchase by the caregiver (i.e., the caregiver does not themselves inflate the furniture piece 10).

The entire furniture piece 10 may include a single enclosed inflatable interior section. The inflatable section may extend throughout the entire piece 10, or may extend within a limited area of the piece 10. The piece 10 may also include two or more separate inflatable sections that provide for separate inflation and deflation. Each inflatable section includes one or more openings 14 for inputting and removing the fluid.

The piece 10 may further include one or more non-inflatable portions. FIG. 2 includes a piece 10 with an inflatable body 11 that is positioned within a non-inflatable section 15. In these embodiments, the inflatable body 11 includes the seat 13 for supporting the user. The non-inflatable section 15 may form other portions of the piece 10, such as the base 12 as in the embodiment of FIG. 2.

The body 11 may be constructed from a variety of different materials, including but not limited to rubber and plastic. The various materials are able to contain the fluid to allow for inflation. One or more of the other sections such as the base 12 and seat 13 may be constructed from the same material, such that the entire piece 10 has a single, unitary construction. One or more of the other sections may also be formed from other materials. Examples include but are not limited to wood, pressboard, cardboard, and plastic. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 2, the body 11 is constructed from rubber, and the non-inflatable section 15 that forms the base 12 is constructed from plastic.

The body 11 may include a variety of different shapes and sizes. FIG. 1A includes the body 11 having a spherical shape. FIG. 2 includes the body 11 having a semi-spherical shape. FIG. 3 includes the body 11 having a cubical shape.

The base 12 is configured to contact against the floor 100 and reduce or eliminate movement of the piece 10 along the floor 100 during the bouncing movements. The base 12 may include a variety of different shapes and configurations. FIG. 1B illustrates a bottom view of the furniture piece 10 of FIG. 1. The furniture piece 10 includes the base 12 formed by four separate legs that extend from the body 11. FIG. 4 includes the base 12 formed by a rectangular projection that extends outward from a bottom of the body 11. FIG. 5 includes the base 12 formed by a pair of extensions that extend from the bottom of the body 11. The base 12 may be integrally formed with the body 11. One embodiment includes the base 12 integrally formed with and inflatable with the body 11 (i.e., the body 11 and the base 12 form a single enclosed interior space that is inflated together). Other embodiments may include the base 12 being one or more separate elements that are attached to the body 11. FIG. 2 includes an embodiment in which the separate non-inflatable section 15 forms the base 12 and is attached to the body 11. The base 12 includes a distal end that contacts against the floor 100. The shape of the distal end prevents or reduces the lateral movement of the furniture piece 10 during use. The distal end may include a non-rounded shape. The distal end may also include various other shapes such as flat, pointed, etc.

FIG. 9 illustrates a device 10 with an inflatable body 11 connected to a non-inflatable base 12. The inflatable body 11 includes a curved upper side for contact with the child and/or caregiver, and a relatively flat lower side that faces towards the base 12. This may include the body 11 having a semi-spherical or hemi-spherical shape. This device 9 may be particularly to be placed on a chair, sofa, airplane seat, etc. because of the relatively small size. This device 10 is used in a similar manner as described above with either the child and/or caregiver being in contact with the body 11 during the bouncing movement. The seat 13 in this embodiment is formed by the top of the body 11.

The seat 13 provides a position for the caregiver to sit on the body 11, or for the child to be supported on the body 11. The seat 13 is generally positioned on an opposing side of the body 11 from the base 12. In some embodiments, the seat 13 is formed by the body 11. FIGS. 1A, 2, and 9 each illustrate the seat 13 being formed by the top side of the body 11. The seat 13 may also be a separate element that is attached to the body 11. FIG. 6 includes a separate seat 13 that is attached to the body 11 by a connector 16. The connector 16 is an elongated strap that extends around the body 11.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method of bouncing and soothing a child using a furniture piece 10. Initially, the piece 10 is inflated (block 150). This includes inflating each of the one or more inflatable sections that includes one or more of the body 11, base 12, and seat 13. Once the piece 10 is inflated, it is placed at the desired location on the floor 100 with the base 12 contacting against the floor 100. The caregiver then holds the child and sits on the seat 13 (block 152). The seat 13 and body 11 are configured such that the caregiver can hold the child in various different orientations. This may include holding the child against their body with the child's head aligned with the caregiver's chest or shoulder, holding the child in their arms in front of their chest body, and balancing the child on one or both legs.

The caregiver then begins the bouncing motion which includes compressing the body 11 (block 154). Compressing the body 11 may include the caregiver initially raises up on the body 11 such that a portion of their weight is lifted from the body 11. The caregiver then returns to the seated position on the body 11 causing their weight to be applied to and compresses the body 11. After compressing, the body 11 rebounds in an upward motion (block 156). Once the process begins, the caregiver is easily able to continue the bouncing motion in the vertically up and down directions.

The configuration of the base 12 prevents or reduces the piece 10 from moving laterally across the floor 100 during the bouncing motion. The base 12 may further assist in limiting the motion to directly up and down directions with no lateral motion.

These aspects of the deformation of the body 11 during the bouncing movement are graphically illustrated in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 80. As illustrated in FIG. 8A, initially the caregiver provides a downward force A to the body 11 along the y-axis. The shape of the body 11 and/or base 12 may limit or prevent lateral forces from acting on the piece 10 such that there is little to no movement of the piece relative to the floor 100 along the x-axis. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, the force A causes the body 11 to compress and become deformed. The base 12 may also deform during the application of the force, in embodiments in which the base 12 includes multiple elements (e.g., multiple legs), the different elements may be deformed the same or different amounts. As illustrated in FIG. 8C, the body 11 then rebounds towards the initial configuration thus applying an upward force B along the y-axis. The inflatable configuration of the piece 10 causes the bouncing effect on the caregiver and the held child. The upward force applied to the caregiver may be limited to exclusively along the y-axis with no force being applied to the caregiver along the x-axis.

Returning to the methodology of FIG. 7, the caregiver determines whether the bouncing movement is to complete (block 158). If no, then the caregiver continues the alternating compressing and rebounding movement of the piece 10. In some instances, continued bouncing movement is facilitated as the momentum of the caregiver eases the continued movement. In the event the caregiver is finished with the bouncing, they simply stop the movement (block 160) and move away from the piece 10 (block 162). In one simple manner, this may include the caregiver standing up and walking away from the piece 10.

The methodology provides for the caregiver to produce the bouncing movement without using their arms. This allows for the caregiver to have their arms free for holding the child.

Another method is directed to just the child being bounced on the furniture piece 10. This method is similar to the method of FIG. 7, except that the child is placed on the seat 13 without the caregiver. This may include resting the child against the surface of the body 11, positioning the child on the seat 13 on the body 11, or other similar positioning. Once positioned, the caregiver provides the force to cause the bouncing action. Examples of applying force may include but are not limited moving the child upward and downward with the furniture piece causing additional lift and drop, and lifting the child slightly upward and then releasing the child such that the downward force of the child results in the bouncing action.

In one embodiment, the seat 13 is designed to support the child who is lying on the body 11. This may include positioned the child on his stomach on the seat 13 and bouncing the child while in this position.

In embodiments in which both the caregiver and the child bounce together, the seat 13 may be configured to position the caregiver in a variety of different orientations. This may include but is not limited to the caregiver sitting on the seat 13 and holding the child in theft lap, the caregiver lying on their back and bouncing while holding the child on theft chest or arms.

The term “floor” is used broadly to include any support on which the piece 10 may be used by a caregiver. This may include a floor of a dwelling, the ground when used outside, the seat of a chair, etc.

The furniture piece 10 may be relatively large to remain in a particular position. Alternatively, the furniture piece 10 may be sized to be transported to various locations and/or used while away from the home. Examples of a transportable piece 10 may include one sized to be used on an airplane seat or a restaurant seat.

Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.

As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”, “comprising” and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of calming a child, the method comprising: providing a furniture piece comprising an inflated body with a seat on a first side and a base with a non-spherical shape on an opposing second side; positioning the furniture piece on a floor with the base contacting against the floor and the body having a first shape, and the seat facing upward away from the floor and being positioned a first distance away from the floor; positioning the child on the furniture piece; moving the child in a first vertical direction by applying a force to the body that is directed towards the floor and deforming the body from the first shape to a second shape and moving the seat towards the floor to a second distance that is in closer proximity to the floor than the first distance; moving the child in an opposing second vertical direction and returning the seat to the first distance away from the floor by removing the force from the body and returning the body to the first shape; and repeatedly moving the child in the first and second vertical directions by alternating between applying the force to the body and removing the force from the body.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying the force to the body and deforming the base simultaneously with deforming the body.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising contacting four legs of the base against the floor and preventing the furniture piece from moving laterally along the floor.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising maintaining the shape of the base when moving in the first and second vertical directions.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting a position of the seat relative to the body.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the child on h furniture piece comprises contacting the child directly against the body.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein deforming the body from the first shape to the second shape comprising deforming the body from a spherical shape to a non-spherical shape.
 8. A method of calming a child, the method comprising: providing a furniture piece comprising an inflated body with spherical shape, a seat on a first side, and an inflated non-spherical base that extends outward from the body on an opposing second side; positioning the furniture piece on a floor while the body is in the spherical shape and is spaced above the floor and the base is contacting against the floor and the seat is facing upward away from the floor and is spaced a first distance away from the floor; positioning the child on the furniture piece and maintaining the base in contact with the floor; compressing the body and the base and moving the child in a first vertical direction towards the floor while maintaining the base in contact with the floor to prevent the furniture piece from moving laterally along the floor; decompressing the body and the base and moving the child in an opposing second vertical direction away from the floor while maintaining the base in contact with the floor to prevent the furniture piece from moving laterally along the floor; and repeatedly compressing and decompressing the body and the base while maintaining the base in contact with the floor and moving the child in an alternating pattern of the first and second directions.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising applying a force to the body that is directed towards the floor and compressing the body.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising removing the force from the body and decompressing the body.
 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising compressing the body and deforming the legs.
 12. A method of calming a child, the method comprising; providing a furniture piece comprising an inflated body with a seat on a first side and a base on an opposing second side, the base also being inflated and comprising legs that each extend outward from the body and terminate at a distal end; positioning the furniture piece on a floor while the body is in a first shape and with the distal ends of each of the legs contacting against the floor and the seat facing upward away from the floor and being spaced a first distance away from the floor; sitting on the furniture piece while holding the child and applying a force to the body; deforming the body with the force and moving the child in a first vertical direction towards the floor while maintaining the distal ends of each of the legs in contact with the floor to prevent the furniture piece from moving laterally along the floor; removing the force from the body and returning the body towards the first shape and moving the child in an opposing second vertical direction away from the floor while maintaining the distal ends of each of the legs in contact with the floor to prevent the furniture piece from moving laterally along the floor; and creating a rhythm of bouncing in the first and second vertical directions by repeatedly applying and removing the force.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising applying the force to the body and deforming the legs while deforming the body.
 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising contacting four legs of the base that are arranged in a rectangular pattern against the floor and preventing the furniture piece from moving laterally along the floor.
 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising adjusting a position of the seat relative to the body. 